Chapter Thirty-Nine
White Ravens
Gage
The War Room was emptying as Roz led their field team toward the deployment bays. Ten sets of boots advancing with the same discipline as the Ravens, all of them dressed in white to match their division.
Gage stood with Scar at the end of the table, in their combat whites, hoods back for the meeting but ready to come up the second they stepped into the field.
Jo dismissed them with a short nod.
They’d prepared for a week. No further speeches or warnings were needed.
Scar touched the small of Gage’s back as they turned to leave. He wasn’t steering him. It was the silent check-in he liked to do.
They walked down the glass hallways, shoulder to shoulder, security flanking them on both sides.
The PA system came on overhead, filling each area of the headquarters.
“White Ravens launch. Field code Alpha. Dual asset deployment confirmed. All essential units stand by.”
The roof door opened and the cool spring air caressed his face.
He stepped onto the helipad, hearing its open echo and a presence so stealthy it barely made a sound.
Scar stopped.
“Oh shit, is that ours?” he whispered as if he were staring at a mythical creature.
Gage angled his head. The aircraft was quiet but awake.
Their pilot met them halfway and introduced himself.
“Lieutenant Colonel Grant Kincaid, Ravens Air Unit, Retired US Air Force.”
His voice was steady and full of pride, his handshake firm and brisk.
“Lock in, we’re airborne in two minutes.”
Gage didn’t know their pilot’s credentials, but he assumed no one ended up flying them if they weren’t the best.
Inside, it wasn’t just a chopper. It was a luxurious flying command center.
The leather seats were ergonomic and butter-soft leather, the cabin lighting adjustable—so he was told—and technical panels restructured for vision-impairment were at his fingertips.
His assistant for flight and field missions took his arm in his and moved him through the cabin on a quiet tour, describing everything with professional brevity.
He ran his palm along the edges of surfaces, building a map in his head. He liked knowing where everything was. He liked knowing that if something went sideways, he wouldn’t be searching.
Roz and the field team began checking gear and running comms tests.
He and Scar were supposed to sit and get their heads synced and ready.
The rotors whirred and the cabin vibrated as he settled into his seat.
Before he could get comfortable, Scar took his hand and squeezed. “Com’ere.”
Gage let him lead him to their private suite.
The door shut behind him, and Scar turned and kissed him. It wasn’t a consuming kiss. It was warm, chaste, and gentle, as if he were being careful not to rouse something forbidden.
Gage knew they weren’t supposed to do anything romantic on a mission, but his body leaned into it anyway.
“We can’t do this right now,” he said, knowing Scar could hear the need in his voice.
Scar didn’t argue as he rested his forehead against his, breathing him in.
“I know,” he said. “I just missed you.”
The simplicity of that confession from such a savage man touched Gage’s heart.
Scar brushed his thumbs over his knuckles. “After this, if everything goes well—when it goes well—I requested the team go back to HQ, and we’re going to get away for a little while.”
Gage blinked. “And go where?”
“To Riviera Maya for a day. It’s a private resort South of Cancun.” Scar stroked his cheek. “I need you to myself. Jo already approved it, as long as I allow a shadow team to come too.”
A smile formed before he could stop it. Scar had just given him the relief he needed.
He’d been nervous all week—ever since Scar turned him down at his door after their carnival date.
The next morning, the mission notice hit like a hammer and they’d been swallowed by preparations. There’d been no more alone time, only recon, training, briefings, and a few hours of sleep a night.
“Whatever you’ve got planned…I’ll do.” Gage kissed Scar’s rough cheek. “Wherever you go, Scar…I’ll follow.”
Scar tightened his grip. “But for now, we focus on our first solo mission. You know all eyes are on us.”
“I know.”
Gage was ready, he sensed Scar was as well.
They returned to the main cabin as the helicopter cut through the air toward the coast.